Production Technician

Ultra-Poly Corporation; Portland (PA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-hour shifts with 7 days off in a 2‑

Growth opportunities

Paid vacation and holidays

Medical, dental and vision

Job summary

Ultra-Poly Corporation is hiring Production Technicians to support both machine operation and line maintenance in a fast-paced plastics recycling environment. The role blends hands-on production with basic maintenance on shredders, granulators, extruders, and material conveyors, ensuring smooth line performance.

Ideal candidates are mechanically inclined with strong attention to detail, capable of working a 12-hour rotating shift, and comfortable with PPE in a non-climate-controlled plant.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in industrial manufacturing or plastics processing.
• Experience with extrusion/shredders/granulators preferred.
• Knowledge of safety practices (LOTO) and PPE.

Responsibilities

• Run and monitor production line startups, shutdowns and changeovers.
• Operate grinders, shredders, extruders; adjust as needed.
• Verify in-process quality checks with QA (density, melt flow, color).
• Ensure safety compliance; participate in incident reporting and investigations.
• Train operators on equipment operation and safety practices.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Strong work ethic

12-hour shift readiness

Reading & writing English

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Feeler gauges

Rigging

VFD fault reading

Job description

Ultra-Poly Corporation is hiring Production Technicians!

Ultra-Poly Corporation is a pioneer in recycling plastics through innovative manufacturing processes. We are a family owned and operated regional business with our corporate headquarters located in Portland PA. Our work culture is supportive and provides opportunities to grow in an environmentally responsible business. We strive to be and employer that you can be proud to be a part of the team.

Position Summary

The Production Tech is a hands-on hybrid role responsible for both working as a machine operator and first contact for any line mechanical issues. If you are mechanically inclined and have a desire to continue learning this may be the right fit for you.

Roughly half of the role is being part of the production team, and half is wrench-time: initial troubleshooting, minor adjustments, common repairs, and performing preventive maintenance on shredders, granulators, extruders, and material conveying systems. The right candidate helps keep the line running, and knows when to fix a problem at the machine versus elevate it to the maintenance department.

What You Can Expect To Be Doing

Production Associate (50%)

• Execute the production schedule: manage line startups, shutdowns, and product changeovers, including screen changes, die changes, and feedstock transitions between PP and PE runs.
• Operate industrial equipment such as grinders and shredders
• Monitor equipment and make adjustments as needed
• Verify in-process quality checks with the quality department (melt flow, density, color, contamination) are performed at required intervals and that product conforms to customer specification.
• Enforce plant safety requirements, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work, and PPE compliance; lead incident reporting and participate in investigations.
• Train and develop operators on equipment operation, quality checks, and safe work practices; provide input on performance.

Line Tech (50%)

• Troubleshoot and repair production equipment, including single and twin screw extruders, shredders, grinders/granulators, screen changers, pelletizers, dryers, blenders, and pneumatic/mechanical conveying.
• May assist with performing preventive maintenance per schedule: screw and barrel inspection, gearbox lubrication and oil changes, heater band and thermocouple replacement, knife/blade changes and gap settings, belt and bearing replacement.
• Diagnose electrical and controls issues at a first-line level (motors, sensors, heater zones, VFD faults) and coordinate with maintenance technicians or electricians on more complex repairs.
• Fabricate or modify basic components as needed (cutting, grinding, basic welding a plus, but not required).
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and parts usage in the work order system; identify and request critical spares.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing, plastics processing, recycling, or comparable heavy industrial manufacturing, including at least 1 years of mechanical maintenance on production equipment.
• Knowledge of extrusion and size-reduction equipment (extruders, shredders, granulators) and the ability to read mechanical drawings and equipment manuals.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools, precision measurement (calipers, feeler gauges), rigging, and safe equipment handling.
• Basic electrical troubleshooting (480V 3-phase awareness, VFDs, PLC fault reading).
• Welding/fabrication skills a plus.
• Vocational or technical training in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or plastics technology.
• Solid understanding of LOTO and industrial safety practices.
• Ability to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, lift up to 50 lbs, climb stairs and ladders, and work in a non-climate-controlled plant environment around dust and noise (PPE provided).
• High s hool diploma or GED.

What We Are Looking For In Our Hires

• Mechanically Inclined
• Great attention to details
• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure
• Have a strong work ethic - dependable and demonstrate good attendance
• Able to work a 12-hour shift
• Our work schedule rotates every 2 weeks: 36 hours one week & 48 hours second week (schedule includes every other weekend)
• Day shift hours = 7 AM to 7 PM
• Night shift hours = 7 PM to 7 AM
• Able to meet the physical qualifications for this position which include:
• Standing for extended periods of time
• Lift, throw, bend, squat, twist and reach
• Lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Need to be able to read, write and understand English
• Lastly, have a positive attitude and be willing to assist others when needed

What Ultra-Poly Offers

• Starting rate $22.00 + (plus shift differential if applicable)
• Performance reviews every 6 months
• Better work/life balance with 12-hour shifts and 7 days off in a 2-week period
• Growth opportunities and on-the job training
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 100% company paid disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Quarterly attendance bonuses
• Safety bonuses
• and more...

Ultra-Poly is a place where you can stop searching for a job, because you actu